The Czech Republic has announced that it will support Poland in strengthening its defense against the growing threats posed by Russian drones impacting Polish territory.
The support will take place through the deployment of a special operations helicopter unit equipped with modernized Mi-171Š aircraft.
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The decision was made following a phone conversation between Czech Defense Minister Jana Černochová and Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz. Černochová also informed Prime Minister Petr Fiala about the deployment of the contingent, which will be carried out under the current mandate approved by the Czech Parliament.
Official statements
According to the Defense Minister, the action reinforces solidarity among allies in the face of rising tensions in the region.
“Poland is our close and reliable ally, so I consider our assistance guaranteed. It is important that the aid arrives quickly so that we can show Russia our unity. We are ready to send the unit within days,” said Jana Černochová.
Chief of the General Staff Karel Řehka confirmed that he had already coordinated the logistical details of the deployment with his Polish counterpart, Wiesław Kukula.
“We are ready to once again send our special operations helicopter unit from the 22nd Helicopter Air Force Base in Náměšť nad Oslavou to Poland. The number of soldiers will be adjusted according to the situation but should not exceed 150 personnel, with a mission planned for up to three months,” he explained.
Řehka also recalled that Czech troops had previously operated in Poland in earlier missions, including providing assistance during the catastrophic floods that hit the country.
Support within NATO framework
The deployment of the troops will be possible thanks to the current mandate for the use of forces and resources of the Czech Ministry of Defense for 2025 and 2026, which allows the deployment of up to 2,000 soldiers to strengthen the defense of NATO’s eastern border in countries such as Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria.
Currently, Czech troops are already deployed in Slovakia, Lithuania, and Latvia under this same mandate.
Source and images: Press Department of the Ministry of Defense of the Czech Republic | Czech Air Force. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
